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The avocado is a dense, evergreen tree. It is fast growing and in the tropics, can, with age, reach 80 feet, although in
Central South Texas usually less. This tropical fruit tree generally branches to form a broad tree to about 12-14 feet in SC
Texas. Some cultivars are columnar, others selected for nearly prostrate form. Growth is in frequent flushes during warm
weather in southern regions with only one long flush per year in cooler areas. Grafted plants normally produce fruit within
one to two years (nursery pot size) compared to 8 - 20 years for seedlings. West Indian type avocados produce smooth
round, glossy green fruits that are low in oil and weigh up to 2 pounds, but are not cold hardy. Guatemalan types produce
medium ovoid or pear-shaped, pebbled green fruits that turn blackish-green when ripe, but are not cold hardy. The fruit of
Mexican varieties are smaller (8 - 12 ounces) with paper-thin skins that turn glossy green or black when ripe and are
moderately cold hardy once established. The flesh of avocados is deep green near the skin, becoming yellowish nearer the
single large, inedible ovoid seed. The flesh is hard when harvested but softens to a buttery texture.
The Avocado fruit is an important food in South America and is nutritious with high levels of mainly unsaturated oils,
minerals, vitamins and reasonable levels of protein. Clinical studies have shown that avocado oil can reduce blood
cholesterol. The name 'Avocado' originates from the Aztec name ahuacacuauhitl, meaning testicle tree! Avocado trees
produce thousands of flowers and only about one in 5000 flowers sets fruit. The Avocado is
remarkable in its ability to thrive under a broad range of environmental conditions. It needs
water and no frost and prefers good drainage, sun, and dry air. Suggested Varieties:
Fantastic Avocado
Green, paper thin skin, the most cold hardy of all the Mexican avocados. The fruit has a
creamy texture with fantastic flavors. It has a vigorous growing beautiful tree. Hardy
down to 15 degrees.
Joey Avocado
Founded by Joey Ricers in Uvalde, Texas. The egg shaped fruit is medium in size. It
has excellent flavor the skin is purple-black
in color. Heavy producer. 17 degrees.
Lila Avocado
Medium sized pear shaped fruit. Lila has a rich Mexican Avocado flavor.
The fruit ripens from September to October. Lila is very cold hardy down
to 14F. This tree ranges from 10-15 in height.
Trees are hardy to temperatures indicated only when fully mature and
will require needed protection for up to 3 to 5 years.
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Once established, avocados are fairly tough trees. However, many avocados fail
during the first 24 months due to poor soil drainage, sunburn or improper
irrigation habits. Follow these easy guidelines for success.